Marine structure



Dec. 16, 1952 D. w. R055 2,621,485

MARINE STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21. 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR:

DONALD W. ROSS BY ATTORNEY Dec. 16, 1952 D. w. R055 2,621,485

MARINE STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1947 Y e Sheets-Sheet 2 2 E i 'i 122E145 g EL X L 55%; 5 -1 1 5 Gal INVENTOR:

BY DON-ALD W. ROSS ATTORNEY Dec. 16, 1952 D. w. R085 MARINE STRUCTURE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 21. 1947 INVENTOR. A DONALD W. ROSS ATTORNEY Dec. 16, 1952 w 035 2,621,485

MARINE STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1947 s Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig.4

mam

ATTORNEY Dec. 16, 1952 Filed Feb. 21. 1947 D. w. ROSS 2,621,485

MARINE STRUCTURE .6 Sheets-Sheet 5 /|3 no Qr-l lb 64'- r65 ee |3 Il Q ,/ub

I6 1 I6 (62 63 Flg. 5 63 INVENTOR:

DONALD W. ROSS BY ATTORNEY Dec. 16, 1952 D. w. ROSS 2,621,485

' MARINE STRUCTURE Filed Feb. 21, 1947 e Sheets-Sheet 6 I20 l2b INVENTOR. DONALD W ROSS ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 16, 1952 MARINE STRUCTURE Donald W. Ross, Tulsa, Okla., assignor to Stanolind Oil and Gas Company, Tulsa, Okla, a corporation of Delaware Application February 21, 1947, Serial No. 730,095

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a structure from which operations such as drilling operations can be carried out at a marine location, and to a method for establishing such a structure at the marine location. More particularly, the invention relates to a structure resting on the marine floor with supporting elements extending above water level and a working platform above water level on the supporting elements, and to a method for constructing such a structure at the marine location.

Frequently it is desirable to establish a working platform above water level at a marine location. For example, it may be desired to establish a working platform for well-drilling operations. In many cases the locations of interest, such as salt domes in the Gulf of Mexico, are covered by 100 or more feet of water. In order for a structure to be stable in such a location, the base of the structure resting on the marine floor should be of about the same dimensions as the water depth. Preferably the lateral dimensions of the base is even greater than the water depth to give adequate stability against the action of ocean currents, waves, and wind.

It is possible, of course, to use a much smaller base on the marine floor and obtain lateral stability through use of guy lines, or other bracing means. However, guy lines may be sheared, as by passing boats. They may also become weakened by corrosion and break. The anchors to which the lines are attached may creep or pull loose altogether. Therefore, it does not appear advisable to entrust the entire stability of a large, expensive structure to guy lines. The expense of a drilling rig will also be involved. The safety of the drilling crew must also be considered. The advisability of deriving the major support for a marine structure from supports widely spaced on the marine floor becomes apparent from these considerations.

A stable structure requires several widely spaced supporting elements, each support having foot means for giving adequate vertical support on the relatively soft marine floor. Each supporting element must usually be quite long, for example 100 feet in length, to extend above water level and should be cross-braced to other supporting elements for lateral support. Such a structure will be very bulky and expensive. If wells which are drilled from the structure prove to be economically productive, it will probably be advisable to leave the structure in place for use in producthe construction.

of the structure as possible. Obviously, large bulky structures are not easily recoverable.

If the large structure is built as a unit, it will be difiicult to transport to the desired marine location without the use of special equipment built for the specific purpose of handling the structure and having little other utility. When at the marine location, it will be almost impossible to control the structure with standard marine equipment while setting the structure on the marine floor. Special means will be necessary for breaking the structure loose from the marine floor if it is desired to recover the structure. If these means fail, standard marine salvage equipment will be incapable of giving much assistance in recovering the structure, due to the large size of the structure. Some means will be necessary to cause the bottom of the structure to conform to a sloping or uneven marine floor so the entire structure will not tilt due toa sloping floor, or excessive pressure be brought to bear on high points of an uneven floor.

If the structure is transported in small parts and assembled at the marine location to avoid the difficulties of transporting and setting a large structure, considerable time will be required to set up the structure. If the structure is built from the bottom up, divers will be required, adding greatly to the time and expense required in If divers are required, the depth of water in which the structure can be built is restricted to depths at which divers can work.

' The structure may also be built from the surface productive, it will be desirable to recover as much down, being supported on guide elements or barges until the main structure supports reach the marine floor. It is Well known that, due to the action of swells at sea, points a hundred feet apart on the water surface are seldom at the same level, and the relation is continually changing. Thus, parts of the structure several feet apart will be continually moving relative to each other if supported on barges. If supported from temporary supports to the marine floor, there will be continual relative motion between the structure and the work barges. Thus, building from the surface down will be an extremely hazardous occupation even in calm weather, regardless of how it is done. Until completed, the structure will probably be rather unstable, particularly if built from the surface down. Even a mild storm during the construction will be likely to destroy such a partially completed structure. If the structure is difficult to construct on location, it will be even more difficult to recover in case the location is to be abandoned;

It will be apparent that many problems and dilemmas beset one who desires to construct a stable structure for drilling operations at a marine location. It is an object of this invention to provide a structure and a method for constructing a structure which will solve many of these problems and resolve some of the dilemmas.

A principal object of this invention is to establish a stable working platform above water level in a marine location.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marine structure for drilling operations which can be easily transported and yet quickly and easily set in place.

Still another object is to provide a method by which a broad, stable marine structure for drilling operations can be constructed easily, quickly, and safely.

An additional object is to provide a foundation unit suitable for connecting to other similar units to form an integral structure as a case for a stable working platform above water level in a marine location.

It is also an object to provide a method of setting a marine structure on the marine fioor, said method reducing or eliminating the danger of capsizing the structure.

Among the objects of this invention is also the provision of a marine structure which can be temporarily abandoned during construction in case of storms, the partially completed structure being capable of weathering the storm.

Provision of a marine structure and means for constructing some which require very little work by divers is another object of this invention.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a marine structure which is adaptable to an uneven or sloping marine floor.

A still further object is to provide a permanent marine anchor satisfactory for use in constructing a marine structure.

In general this invention accomplishes the above objects by employing a plurality of separate small foundation units, each small enough to be easily managed and recovered, yet each so constructed as to be entirely stable as a unit when set on the marine floor and guyed. After being set on the marine floor, the units are cross-braced to each other to form an integral structure, including a working platform, from which drilling or other operations can be carried out.

Each foundation unit includes an elongated supporting structure of sufficient length to extend from the marine floor to the desired distance above water level. To one end of the supporting structure is attached a foot member with a broad surface perpendicular to the axis of the supporting structure. The broad surface rests on the marine floor, affording support for the supporting structure and for the working platform and the load to be carried by the workin platform.

A more complete understanding of the invention will be obtained by referring to the drawings and the following description of the embodiments shown in these drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of my invention;

Figures 2a through 2f are elevational views of an element of the structure in various stages of being set on the marine floor;

Figures 3a through 30 are elevational views of an element of an alternative embodiment of my invention in various stages of being set or as set on the marine floor;

Figure 3d is an elevational view of two of the elements illustrated in Figure 3a in their final position on the marine floor, cross-braced together, ready for bracing to other foundation units, and for completion of the integral structure by the construction of a working platform connecting the tops of the several foundation units;

Figure 3c is a view of a complete structure employing the type of foundation units shown in Figure 30.;

Figure 4 is an elevational view of a permanent marine anchor;

Figure 5 is an elevation-a1 view of a preferred embodiment of this invention at one stage of construction; and

Figures 6a and 6b are views of further alternative embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, four barges ii are shown resting on the marine floor. A derrick i2 is fixed to the deck of each barge. Guide columns i3 extend downward through the barges into the marine floor and upward through the tops of derriclis i2. Connecting the tops of derricks i2 is working platform is. Working platform H5 is reinforced at certain positions to support drilling derrick l5. reierably, vorking platform it should be large enough to permit several wells to be drilled directionally from different positions of the drilling derrick l5 thereon.

Columns :8 are guyed to permanent anchors by means of lines 6 5. The columns are also crossbraced to each other by lines ii. Drilling derrick is may be guyed to columns i3, as by lines It, or may be guyed to the working platform if preferre Barges ii and derricks 12 are crossbraced to each other as by braces it.

Each barge H and derrick 52 make up an en- 'irely self-sufficient and stable foundation unit, or in some cases, as described hereinafter, a unit may include two derricks. Each foundation unit can be transported to the desired marine location and set in place without aid from the other foundation units or specialized auxiliary equipment. When set in place and guyed, each unit forms a stable structure which can be temporarily abandoned in case of storm warnings without fear of its being destroyed by the storm.

In Figure 1 four foundation units are shown, but it should be clear that any number can be employed. At least three units of one derrick per barge or two units of two derricks per barge should be used in order to obtain lateral support in all directions.

In Figures 2a through 2f a unit of the foundation is shown diagrammatically in several stages of being set in place. In Figure 2a the barge El and derrick iii are shown as they arrive at the desired marine location. In Figure 2b a part of column i3 is shown extending through barge l2 and reaching nearly to marine floor 25. This column can be run through an opening the barge in exactly the same way in which casing is run in a well. That is, the joints of the column are successively raised into the derrick, welded or otherwise coupled to the section below, and lowered through a hole in the barge.

Column i3 is for the purpose guiding bar H and derrick E2 to the marine floor in an upright position. Without column acting as a guide, when the barge is filled with water to cause it to sink, the structure would become unstable and diihcult to control and would likely cap ize. It is desirable, in order to obtain more effective guiding, that column l3 pass through the top of derrick I2. Therefore, ordinary crown blocks cannot be used. Since column l3 will be only a few hundred feet long even for deep water, two light block-and-tackle sets 23 and 24 shown in Figure 2c are swung from opposite sides or corners of the top of the derrick for handling column I3. Figure 2c shows the block-and-tackle sets supporting a section of column I3 in derrick I2 in a position to be connected to the section below by welding or other coupling means at joint 22.

Figure 2d shows the top section of column I3 which has been raised by block-and-tackle sets 23 and 24. The top section extends through the top of derrick I2 and is connected to the section below at joint 25.

It will be noted that up to this point there is no connection between the barge and the marine floor. Therefore, any time stormy weather appears column I3 can be taken apart quickly, and the barge can be quickly moved into harbor.

After column I3 has been completely assembled, the barge l I is adjusted to its final desired location, guy lines [6 are attached, and column I3 is forced into the marine floor 2| by rotating the column, jetting liquid through the column, placing dead weight on the column, or by any other suitable means. Figure 2c shows the unit after column I3 has been forced into the marine floor.

With the foundation unit in the condition shown in Figure 2e, seacocks 28 in the barge are opened and the barge and derrick slide down column I3 until barge II comes to rest on the marine floor 2|. The rate of sinking can be controlled by pumping compressed air into the barge through air line 29. Preferably, jets 25 as shown in Figure 2 are provided on the bottom of the barge to aid in leveling the marine floor below the barge. The jets can be supplied with fluid through standpipes 21 extending above water level as shown in Figure 2f. Column is, extending into the marine floor, serves to stabilize the barge against lateral movement.

When a foundation unit is in the condition shown in Figure 212, it is a stable structure supported entirely on the surface of the water. When a, foundation unit is in the condition shown in Figure 2), it is a stable structure supported entirely on the marine floor. Only during the sinking of column I3 into the marine floor, attaching lines I6, and sinking the barge to the marine floor is there a period of instability or relative movement between parts of the unit. By making adequate prepaartions before beginning to sink column I3 into the marine floor, the entire period of instability and relative motion of parts of the unit can be held down to a very few minutes. It is almost inconceivable that any storm damage could occur during this brief periad of instability. It is also almost inconceivable that serious injury to equipment or personnel could occur due to the motion between the column I3' and the other parts of the foundation unit if ordinary care is employed.

In Figures 2a through 2 the foundation unit is illustrated as being handled independently of any other equipment except perhaps a tugboat. If the unit is to be set in deep rough water, it is preferable to use a system such as is illustrated in Figure 5. In constructing a marine structure by use of this system, large work barges BI and 62, perhaps 250 by 50 feet, are first brought to the marine location and anchored to permanent anchors by means of lines 63. Lines 66, 65, and

66 are provided to give complete lateral stability to the work barges BI and 62. Line 64 is removed and foundation unit barges I la moved into place as shown. Lne 64 i then restored, line 66 removed, and barges llb are moved into place as shown. Line 66 is then restored. All foundation-unit barges are preferably lashed to the work barges while columns I3 are being assembled, guyed, and sunk to the marine floor, as shown in Figure 2. Foundation-unit barges I la and III) are then cut loose from work barges BI and 62, seacocks opened in the foundation-unit barges, and these barges sunk to the marine floor. The separate foundation units can then be crossbraced and a working platform constructed to connect the tops of the units and form an integral, stable, supporting structure as shown in Figure 1.

Up to the time the columns l3 are completed as shown in Figure 2d, all barges can be cut loose and can be quickly moved into harbor in case of storm warnings. As soon as the foundation-unit barges are on the marine floor as shown in Figure 2f, barges GI and 62 can be moved into harbor in case of storms, leaving the guyed foundation units as completely stable structures capable of withstanding heavy storms. Barges GI and 62 can return at any time to aid in cross-bracing the foundation units and connecting the tops of the units by means of a working platform to form an integral marine structure. The adaptability of the structure to an uneven or sloping marine floor will be evident at this point. The working platform can be constructed level by simply attaching the platform to the variou foundation units at the point necessary to make the working platform level. The foundation-unit barges, being rather small, usually about 75 by feet or so, are not troubled by uneven or sloping marine floor since an area 75 by 100 feet can be leveled by means of jets on the bottom of the barge to be set on the area.

Upon completion of the working platform, the portions of columns [3 extending above the working platform may be out off if desired, guy lines I6 being attached to the working platform I4, or the derricks I2. Preferably the barges II are set far enough apart that the structure will be stable without the use of guy lines I6. These lines should. be retained, however, in case it is desired to recover the structure. For the same reason, the portions of columns l3 extending above working platform l4 should be left standing.

If it is desired to recover the structure, barges 6| and 62 are moved in and anchored, working platform I4 and the cross-braces removed, and water blown out of unit foundation barges II to cause them to rise to the surface. The jets on the bottoms of the barges aid greatly in breaking the barges loose from the bottom. In case one of the barges fails to rise, standard salvage equipment on work barges BI and 62 will be adequate to recover the stuck foundation-unit barge.

A preferred embodiment of a foundation unit as contemplated by this invention has been described in connection with Figure l, and preferred methods of employing these foundation units in constructing marine structures have been described in connection with Figures 2a through 2 and Figure 5. Other foundation units may be employed for accomplishing the purposes of this invention, and other methods may be employed for setting these units on the marine floor and cross-bracing them together to form, together with a platform connecting the tops of the foundation units, a structure from which marine operations such as marine drilling can be carried out.

Another form of foundation unit satisfactory for use in constructing a marine structure in accordance with this invention is shown in Figure 3a. In this figure a large hollow cylindrical column 2! has a float attached to one end. Ihe float has a flat surface of considerable area opposite the side to which the column is attached. A second float 33 is adapted to slide on column One or more braces 23 i employed to crossbrace the foundation unit to other units may be attached to float 32 and fastened to the top of column 31 by means of holder Column 3! is preferably five feet or more in diameter, although a smaller diameter will be satisfactory for use in water less than about 109 feet in depth. The column may be internally braced if desired, or

may be surrounded by reinforcing rings at points a spaced along the column. Preferably, the column is sealed to cause it to float.

Foundation units of the form Figure 3a are most conveniently transported to the desir d marine location by allowing them to float in the water and towing them to the location by means of a too. When near the desired location, water is admitted into float which causes it to sink first to a position such as that shown in Figure 3'0. amount of water has been admitted to float 32, buoyancy of the float will be insuiiicient to keep the float at the water surface. Float will then swing downward until it is almost directly below the column 3i and float 3-3 as shown in Figure 30.

With the foundation unit in the position illus trated in Figure 3c the unit is towed to exactly the desired location. More water is then admitted to the float and if desired, to column 3i, causing the float 32 to come to rest on the marine floor 2! as shown in Figur 3d. Float 33 is then filled with water to cause it to slide down column 3i and come to rest on float Other units are then set on the marine floor in the same manner. Upon fastening of the crossbraces 3 between the foundation units, and attaching guys it from permanent anchors as shown in Figure 3c, the foundation is ready for the construction of a working platform above water level as shown in Figure 3e. If it is desired to recover the marine structure shown in Figure 3c, the working platform is removed, the cross-braces removed, and the water blown out of floats 32 and in that order.

In establishing structures in most locations it will probably be preferred to employ foundation units including only one supporting structure per barge or footing as illustrated in Figures 2a and 3a. For use in shallow water, however, it is preferred to mount two supporting structures on a single barge or footing as shown in Figures 6a In Figure 6a, two derricks E20, and i229 are shown mounted on a single barge ii. Guide column E3 is shown midway between derrickand 522;, the top of the guide column being centered between the derricks by braces It will be apparent that guide column it can be placed through either derrick lEa or i2 0 rather than being placed between the derriclrs. If desired, a guide column may be placed through both derriclis and i'l'o.

In Figure 639 two columns 35a and Eib are mounted on a single float L32. Floats 33 are slidably mounted on columns Bio and 53 if). The two columns are cross-braced by means of braces illustrated in After a certain H and i2. Braces 3 1 fastened to column em and Bib by holders 35 may also be provided.

In setting the foundation units shown in Figures 6c and 62) on the marine floor, procedures 5 s'nnilar to those employed for setting the foundation units shown in Figures 2a and 3a respectively may be used. It will be apparent that only two of these dual-column units are required to afford complete lateral stability.

In the construction of the illustrated embodiments of the invention, guy lines to permanent marine anchors are employed. Ordinary anchors such as those used for ships or buoys are generally not suitable for use in guying large marine foundations such as those illustrated. In Figure 4 a pei'nianen' marine anchor suitable for use in guying marine foundations is shown. The principal element of the anchor is a spiral plate or blade iii which is attached to a hollow shaft 32. A bit 23 is connected to the bottom of shaft 2. At the top of shaft 32 is a swinging bail ,G-uy line it? extends from the bail 4 to a point above the surface of the water. The anchor is forced into the marine floor by rotating and pressing downward on the shaft 32 while jetting water downward through bit 43. Rotating torque, downward pressure, and fluid for jetting are transmitted to shaft 1 2 through conduit extending downward from a barge at the surface of the water.

Connection between shaft and conduit 55 is made th ough coupling 35 on the top of shaft 52.

into a slot 28 .o nward pressure from conduit as to o ft :2 through coupling so. To prevent the coupling from becoming disengaged from conduit while the anchor is being lowered to the marine fl or, coupling is fixed to conduit -55 by means of shes us After the anchor has been forced into the marine floor, $9 are sheared by an upward pull on conduit Thus, the shearing of pins dd affords a good test of the permanency of the anchor. If the pins can be sheared without moving the anchor, the anchor is satisfactorily permanent. However, if an up ward pull on con t pulls the anchor out of the marine floor be e the pins shear, the anchor is not sunlcientl permanent and another trial is The pe ncy of the anchor can also be tested ward pull on guy line id.

preferably fastened a to.

The

conduit I ater level by means of s the guy line to rotate th conduit a longer length of guy line desired, it can be wound around conduit dB or wound on a spool mounted on conduit 35.

pen c ideration of the described embodiments of t invention will be seen that a mae is p ided which is part made d on foundation each a complete, separate strucnlch can be made stable by use 2- being connected into the f foundation units can be and yet easily, quicrly, and They can be transported,

a, to)

necstructure can be 5 construction with storms. Little or The structure is adaptable to being built on a sloping or uneven marine floor. A method has also been described for constructing the structure, this method taking advantage of the nature of the structure to accomplish the objects of the invention.

I claim:

1. A separately stable foundation unit resting on the marine floor and suitable for being connected to similar foundation units to form an integral structure comprising a barge resting on the marine floor, a derrick on said barge, said derrick extending above the water level, a guide column extending through said derrick and barge into the marine floor, and guy lines from the top of said guide column to permanent marine anchors set in the marine floor to stabilize said foundation unit.

2. A method of establishing on the marine floor a marine structure of the type having a supporting element resting on a floatable foot member on the marine floor, comp-rising establishing a guide column through said floatable foot member and said supporting element while the marine structure is floating on the water surf-ace with the supporting element in an upright position, and causing the marine structure to slide down the guide column to the marine floor, whereby danger of capsizing of the marine structure while sinking is reduced or eliminated.

3. A method of establishing on the marine floor a barge with a derrick extending from the barge to the water surface, comprising establishing a guide element through said barge and derrick and into the marine floor while the barge is floating on the water surface, and admitting water to the barge to cause the barge and derrick to slide down the guide element to the marine REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 759,759 Shepard May 10, 1904 1,388,031 Dray Aug. 16, 1921 1,718,005 Reno June 18, 1929 2,210,408 Henry Aug. 6, 1940 2,248,051 Armstrong July 8, 1941 2,308,743 Bulkley Jan. 19, 1943 2,351,449 Noble June 1 3, 1944 2,352,370 Carruthers June 27, 1944 2,399,656 Armstrong May 7, 1946 2 422.168 Kirby June 10, 1947 

